The fretting hand
Where to place your fingers, how much pressure to use, where the thumb goes and how to build independence without tension.
Essential
Content under musical review. It may contain inaccuracies.
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Where to place your fingers, how much pressure to use, where the thumb goes and how to build independence without tension.
Essential
The fretting hand (the left hand for right-handed players) decides whether a note rings clean, buzzes or dies. It doesn't take strength: it takes good finger placement and just enough pressure. This topic uses the usual finger numbers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring and 4 little finger.
Four notes in a row on the 6th string, one per fret and one finger per fret:
When the finger frets well, the note sustains and sounds round. If it presses far from the fret or too lightly, you get a buzz.
Step 1 of 4 · Finger 1
String 6, Fret 1: F2 · 1 · Root
Find your minimum pressure: fret a note with almost no force and press gradually harder while you pick the string. As soon as it stops buzzing, add just a little more. That's the pressure you need; anything beyond it is tension.
Fingering & coordinationChromatic spiderOne finger per fret across all strings for independence, accuracy and hand synchronisation. Metronome in eighths at 60 BPMThe fretting hand also stops strings. Ease off the pressure slightly and the note cuts off while your finger still touches the string. The pad of a finger can brush the string below to mute it, and a flattened index can deaden several strings at once. On an electric with distortion, this control keeps unplayed strings quiet.
Fingering & coordinationFinger independenceFour-finger permutations that make each finger move on its own.In a barre, don't squeeze with the thumb like a clamp. Use the harder, straighter outer edge of your index, place it right behind the fret and let some of the pressure come from the weight of your arm pulling gently back. Often only two or three strings truly need the barre, because other fingers cover the rest. If you tire, stop for a few seconds: practising barres through pain only builds tension.